'Girlfriends Go Red' event is Feb. 20 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak

To celebrate the power of women in the fight against heart disease, the American Heart Association and Beaumont Health System are hosting a “Girlfriends Go Red” event on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6 – 8 pm at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak.

This free event kicks off with an expert health panel followed by dance and fitness demos, screenings and prizes. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

“Girlfriends Go Red” is designed to heighten awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women. According to the American Heart Association, while 1 in 30 American women dies from breast cancer, one in three dies of cardiovascular disease, killing approximately one woman every minute.

Annette Sciberras, administrative nurse manager of the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit and Cardiac Interventional Unit at Beaumont, Royal Oak, who was chosen to represent Go Red For Women nationally said, “Through the Go Red initiative, we have the ability to save many lives. Awareness must start with ourselves, family, friends, peers and the community. Through our relationships, we can enhance the importance of knowing our numbers, eating healthy and creating a stress free lifestyle.”

Girlfriends Go Red kicksoff with an expert health panel at 6 p.m. featuring Sciberras and Ann Marandici, M.D., cardiologist with Beaumont’s Ministrelli Women’s Heart Center. Following the panel, women are invited to visit various stations to obtain nutrition and health advice, participate in fitness demos or share their story for a chance to become a national Go Red For Women spokesperson.

“Events like this one help spread lifesaving messages, said Catherine Smith, executive director of the southeast Michigan American Heart Association. “Women are encouraged to grab their girlfriends and wear their red shoes for an unforgettable health journey.”

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives the tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-My-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s.

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